Terrorism Preparedness

 

Alphabetical Index
(click on the term)
Terrorism
Bomb Threat
Disaster Psychology

Return to Family/Terrorism Page


Homeland Security Advisory System

 

  

Terrorism

The FBI defines terrorism as "the unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof in the furtherance of political or social objectives."

Terrorism can occur through the use of guns, bombs or arson, but biological, chemical radiological, and computer (cyberterrorism) means can be used. Terrorism preparedness encompasses good crime prevention plus:

Generally. . .

  • Be aware of your surroundings - be alert for suspicious activity or packages.
     
  • Do not touch suspicious packages or items - contact the proper authority.
     
  • Know where exits are - especially in public assembly areas.
     
  • Dial 9-1-1 to report emergencies that require police, fire or EMS.
     
  • Have an emergency kit in your home and car. An emergency kit can help you with man-made emergencies (like power failures or terrorism) or natural disasters (like floods or storms). An emergency kit can include (at a minimum):
     
    • First aid supplies
       
    • Flashlight with extra batteries
       
    • Non-perishable food
       
    • Drinking water
       
    • Blanket(s) or sleeping bag(s)
       
    • Rain gear or a change of clothing

       

    • Weapons of Mass Destruction & B-NICE

    Weapons of Mass Destruction or WMD are meant to terrorize a population by inflicting many casualties or deaths. WMD can fall into one of five categories represented by the acronym B-NICE.

    B  - Biological

    N  - Nuclear     

    I  -  Incendiary

    C  -  Chemical   

    E  -  Explosive  

    Although the threats of varying hazards are real - conventional explosives will continue to be the method of choice for terrorists.

    Homeland Security Advisory System

    For the Computer System . . .

    • All accounts should have passwords that are difficult to guess. Change passwords frequently.
       
    • Audit systems and check logs to help in detecting and tracing an intruder.
       
    • If you are ever unsure about the safety of a site, or receive suspicious email from an unknown address, don't access it. It could be trouble.
       
    • Change the network configuration when defects become known.

    Personally . . .

    • Don't discuss personal matters such as travel plans, your job, or your family with people you don't know.
       
    • Vary your route to and from work, and the time you arrive and depart.
       
    • Avoid routines (time & location) for shopping, lunch, etc. . .
       
    • Become familiar with the environment. You must know what is normal to be able to detect what is usual.
       
    • Avoid public disputes or confrontations.

    Contingency Planning

    Emergency contingency plans should include:

    • Procedure for contacting police/fire/EMS

    • Duress communication procedures - Code words with work or home to communicate an emergency

    • Emergency phone lists (contacts, resources, personnel)

    • Evacuation routes, assembly area for evacuated personnel and alternates

    • Command post & liaison procedures with police, fire, EMS

    For the Office. . .

    • Prepare contingency plans in the event of an emergency - coordinate these plans with the local emergency services.
       
    • Ensure that all personnel are familiar with the appropriate section of these emergency plans and their role.
       
    • Security is everyone's concern. All staff should be aware and abide by security procedures.
       
    • Report suspicious persons to the appropriate agency.
       
    • Do not give information on personnel or operations over the telephone to strangers.
       
    • Place a barrier between staff and the reception area. Visitors/maintenance personnel should always be escorted.
       
    • Lock private toilets, unused closets and offices, etc. . .
       
    • Institute visitor control procedures.
       
    • Dangerous devices can come in by mail. Ensure that mail receiving personnel are aware what to look for.
       
    • Be alert for suspicious persons, packages, mail and cars within and near the building.
       
    • Do not mark parking spaces; vary parking places.

    Return to index.

    Bomb Threat Preparedness

    The use or threat of use of explosives, incendiary devices or hoax devices is a common crime. The purpose of which may be extortion, disruption of the business, revenge etc... It is important that every staff member become acquainted with the procedures for responding to a suspected device or threat.

    Bomb threats can be received by any communication source. There are two logical explanations for reporting a bomb threat:

    1. The caller has definite knowledge or believes that an explosive has been or will be placed and he/she want to minimize personal injury or property damage.

    2. The caller wants to create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic which will, in turn, result in a disruption of normal activities.

     
    Always contact the police when a threat or suspicious item is received.

    Searches (types)

    Overt search-building is evacuated, personnel and or explosive detection canines search.

    Covert search-Persons familiar with building and contents look for any suspicious items. Staff may examine their areas.

    No Search can be guaranteed 100% effective. Areas with public access (bathrooms, exterior, hallway trash receptacles etc..) are the most convenient to a bomber and should not be minimized. Those who are familiar with the area and can detect what is "out-of-place" are important to the search.

    When a bomb threat is received . . .

    Notify the police (preferably on a separate phone line) of the threat

    If the threat is written - minimize the number of people who handle it. It may be used as evidence by the police.

    If the threat is received via telephone . . .

    Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Document or record what is said.

    Ask the location of the bomb if not volunteered.

    Inform the caller that the building is occupied.

    Pay attention to voice and background noises (to aid police investigation).

    Check with your telephone company or system installer to determine if you can activate a line "tap".

    Decisions

    Management should be aware that an evacuation is not without risks. Hazards outside, e.g...a "car bomb" or an individual with a weapon may target the evacuees.

    Physical security measures like locked doors, limiting public access combined with staff awareness increases preparedness.
     

    Bombs. . .

    Bombs can be constructed to look like almost anything and can be placed or delivered in any number of ways. The probability of finding a bomb that looks like the stereotypical bomb is almost nonexistent. The only common denominator that exists among bombs is that they are designed or intended to explode.

    Most bombs are homemade and are limited in their design only by the imagination of, and resources available to, the bomber. Remember when searching for a bomb, suspect anything that looks unusual.

    Mail Bombs

    A potential method of deploying a bomb is through the mail. Staff should be trained on what to look for. If you have received bomb threats, you should be particularly attentive to this potential.

    Potential mail bomb indicators:

    • Addresses or labels improper
    • Leaks, stains, protruding wires, string or tape, packages wrapped in string
    • Excess postage
    • No postage or non-canceled postage
    • Generic or incorrect titles
    • No or nonsensical return address
    • Handwritten notes such as confidential, prize enclosed, private etc . . .
    • Any letters or packages arriving before or after a phone call from an unknown person asking if the item was received.
    • Most bombers set up and deliver the bomb themselves (source: BATF)
    When a suspicious package is found or received ...
    • DO NOT move or handle the package
    • DIAL 9-1-1 (away from the package)
    • EVACUATE the building or area
    • DO NOT use mobile phones, 2-way pagers/devices or radios near the package

    Your best approach...

    Plan before your facility receives a threat or finds a suspicious package. Your police department and/or municipal emergency management office can be a valuable resource in your planning for bombs and other hazards.

    The Bergen County Police Department has an accredited bomb squad with trained bomb technicians, explosive detecting canines and equipment. The County Police Bomb Squad is available ONLY through your police department. BCPD

    Return to index.

    Disaster Psychology

    PREPAREDNESS When disaster strikes, physical assistance may not be only part of what survivors need. "Psychological First Aid" for disaster-induced stress and trauma will help the survivors.

    Disaster-induced stress and trauma are "normal reactions" to an "abnormal" event.

    Emotional reactions will vary and may be influenced by:
    • Prior experience with the same or similar event
    • The intensity and length of the event
    • Pre-incident stressors
    • The length of time since the event
    • Loss of loved ones, housing, etc. . .
    Emotional reactions can vary depending upon the phase of the event:
    • Before the event, as concern escalates and information is made available through the media and the authorities
    • During the event's impact-responding to the immediate effects of the disaster
    • Immediately after the event's impact when rescue may be needed
    • Immediately after the event when an inventory is made of losses-personal and material
    • Well after the event during recovery

    Traumatic Stress Reactions

    A traumatic stress reaction is an emotional aftershock of a disaster or other significantly stressful event. Symptoms may occur immediately after the event or weeks after the event is over.

    Some common signs/symptoms of emotional reactions to a disaster:

    Physical
    • Nausea and/or upset stomach
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Restlessness
    • Difficulty sleeping
    Emotional
    • Anxiety and/or fear
    • Guilt
    • Grief and/or depression
    • Anger
    Cognitive
    • Nightmares
    • Confusion and/or disorientation
    • Difficulty concentrating
    Behavioral
    • Avoidance and/or withdrawing
    • Emotional outbursts
    • Erratic behavior

    Dial 9-1-1 for life threatening emergencies

    Emergency contacts:

    Emotional emergencies or information 24 hours a day in Bergen: 262-HELP (201-262-4357)

    Physical emergencies - dial 9-1-1

     

    Taking care of yourself following a traumatic event . . .

    • Try to rest a bit more
    • Contact friends and talk
    • Re-establish your normal schedule as soon as possible
    • Fight against boredom
    • Physical activity can be helpful
    • Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even when you don't feel like it)
    • Avoid alcohol and drugs taken without physician recommendation/prescription
    • Recurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks are normal - don't try to fight them - they'll decrease over time and be less painful
    • Seek out professional help if the feelings become prolonged or intense

    Taking care of others following a traumatic event . . .

    • Listen carefully
    • Spend time with the traumatized person
    • Offer your assistance and a listening ear even if they have not asked for help
    • Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for children etc. .
    • Give them time to be alone
    • Help them stay away from alcohol and drugs
    • Keep in mind what they've been through
    • Don't try to explain it away
    • Don't tell them that they are lucky it wasn't worse
    • Don't take their anger, other feelings or outbursts personally

    Get further assistance if . . .

    • The person is having life-threatening symptoms
    • The person is suicidal or homicidal
    • The person is out of control

    Return to index.

  • Email:GarfieldOEM: GarfieldOEM@aol.com
    Click on the link below to go back to the home page: Home Page

    •